Apparatus and system for displaying receipt of a packet

Abstract

A connection unit for a computer, which is connectable to a network, is configured such that in response to a receipt by the connection unit of a predetermined wake-up packet via the network, a predetermined signal is generated. Following which, in response to the predetermined signal, the receipt of the predetermined wake-up packet is persistently displayed utilizing a dedicated display. With these means, a user of the computer is enabled to recognize the fact execution of WOL has been carried out or attempted, without running a specific application (adapted for informing the user of the fact that WOL was executed) on the computer, or even where the computer is not connected to the connection unit.

1. A connection unit for use with a computer connectable to a network, said connection unit comprising:
 means, responsive to receipt of a predetermined wake-up packet via said network, for generating a predetermined signal; and  
 means responsive to said predetermined signal, for persistently displaying the receipt of said predetermined wake-up packet utilizing a dedicated display, wherein said dedicated display is only utilized to indicate receipt of said predetermined wake-up packet.  
 
   
   
     2. The connection unit as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said computer is not connected to said connection unit. 
   
   
     3. The connection unit as recited in  claim 2  further comprises means, responsive to the receipt of said predetermined wake-up packet, for displaying the non-connection of said computer. 
   
   
     4. The connection unit as recited in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein said predetermined wake-up packet included an instruction for causing a power supply of said computer to be remotely turned on. 
   
   
     5. The connection unit as recited in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein said network is a local area network (LAN). 
   
   
     6. The connection unit as recited in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein said displaying means comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD). 
   
   
     7. The connection unit as recited in  claim 1  or  2  further comprising means for resetting said means for persistently displaying the receipt of said predetermined wake-up packet. 
   
   
     8. A network system comprising:
 a network; and  
 a terminal apparatus connectable to said network, said terminal apparatus including: 
 means, responsive to receipt of a predetermined wake-up packet via said network, for generating a predetermined signal; and  
 dedicated display means, responsive to said predetermined signal, for persistently displaying the receipt of said predetermined wake-up packet wherein said dedicated display means is only utilized to indicate receipt of said predetermined wake-up packet.  
 
 
   
   
     9. The network system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said terminal apparatus is a portable equipment.